Hunter Atkinson has moved just a few feet down the offensive line, but it has created a new set of challenges for him at Georgia State's football team.
Atkinson, a one-time player at Georgia, enrolled at Georgia State as a tight end after an all-state career at West Hall High. He played the position last season, but he and the coaches decided a few weeks ago that his future may be improved by moving to offensive tackle, a position he had never before played.
“It’s a big difference as far as your steps go and fighting with those big guys in there,” he said. “It’s way different than sitting out with linebackers and running routes. It’s a struggle, but it’s fun.”
There were a few reasons the move was made.
First, the more the redshirt freshman worked out, the bigger he got. He is at 270 pounds, but his fat level hasn’t increased.
Second, the team is fairly stacked at tight end with all-conference returner Keith Rucker, senior Bill Teknipp and sophomore Ari Werts.
While Atkinson has good hands, watching him last season it was also apparent that he wasn’t as consistently quick off the line as the other guys at the position.
Atkinson could have stayed at tight end and likely played some this season, but it seems he and the coaches came to the realization that he could possibly be an NFL player as a tackle, giving a boost to that position.
“His athletic ability, he’s a next-level guy,” coach Trent Miles said.
He said pass blocking has come easier than run blocking. He’s still learning the calls that he’s supposed to make as a tackle when reading the defense. He anticipates the run-block calls also being a fun challenge.
“I’m getting good reps and picking it up pretty quickly,” he said.
The other challenge will be gaining weight. He’s at 270 pounds and wants to add a pound a week so that he can reach the target weight of 285-290.
About the Author
